Claire’s Story

“I first heard about Elayos when Hope and Amelia shared their vision at Gas Street Church, and I immediately felt drawn to get involved. After volunteering in a postnatal role, I trained as a Doula and joined as a member of staff in May 2023.

Supporting women through birth and in the postnatal period is incredibly rewarding. Building relationships with clients during pregnancy and supporting them through contractions and birth allows me to advocate for them and ensure they feel informed. Postnatally, it’s amazing to see women grow in confidence and feel more empowered in their motherhood, especially when many face financial hardship, housing issues, or isolation.

I’ve had women tell me I feel like family when theirs can’t be there. Our weekly doula team meetings are invaluable for support and advice, and working as part of a team is essential, especially after attending births, which can be emotionally challenging. Elayos plays an important role in bridging gaps in care due to NHS constraints. By regularly visiting women, we can pick up on safeguarding issues, identify other needs, and signpost them to additional resources. As a food bank referrer, I’ve also delivered food parcels to women in need.

There are challenges, especially around housing, language barriers, and finances. Many of the women we work with live in dire conditions, some struggling with housing issues such as cockroaches, bed bugs, and very limited finances or support. While these situations are heartbreaking, we do our best to support them with practical help, signposting to resources, and offering a safe, trusted presence. Our compassionate approach also helps guide women who may not understand the healthcare system or have limited knowledge of birth.

It’s rewarding to see the growth in the women we work with and to be a trusted support during their pregnancies. With the support we’ve received, I’m hopeful we can reach more families and continue to make a tangible difference in their lives.”